She had him--and she knew she had him. She would
be Madeline Spencer once again--always having a victim, and always ready
for a fresh one. Since she had failed with Harleston, what mattered it
how many the victims, or what the price they paid.
XXIII
CAUGHT
"Mrs. Spencer and her friend have reached some sort of an
understanding," Mrs. Clephane remarked. "She just smiled at him
significantly and pressed his foot."
"I noticed the smile but not the foot business," Harleston chuckled.
"It's something quite personal to them, I take it!"
"Exactly; but what's the effect on the matter in hand? Does not this
_personal_ understanding signify that the delivery of the formula has
been arranged, maybe even effected."
Harleston nodded. With Madeline Spencer it was, he knew, business first
and personal matters afterward.
"I think we shall see the end of the affair of your cipher letter and
its ramifications before the afternoon is over," he replied.
"What about the French Embassy?" she asked.
"The Marquis has been advised that we have the translation. He will keep
his hands off, you may believe."
"You think either that Captain Snodgrass has the document in his
possession, or that he has given it to Mrs.
Pages:
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268